A POLYCHROME-PAINTED POTTERY WATER PIPE (QALYAN) BOTTLE
Possibly Hamadan, late Qajar Iran, ca. 1880 - 1920

Of typical bell-like shape, resting on a gently splayed circular base, rising to a tall cylindrical neck with a flattened circular rim, the body under-glaze painted in cobalt blue, turquoise, green, yellow and manganese purple with black outlines on a white ground, the decoration consisting of floral patterns framed within vegetal foliate banners, the shoulders decorated with rosette festoons, signed by the maker ('Amal-e Hossein) on the shoulders, the neck decorated with oval cartouches filled with rosettes, 31.8cm high.